Announcements for the week of November 1, 2026

by | Oct 30, 2026 | Sunday Announcements, Uncategorized | 0 comments

QUICK LINKS

  • Synoptic Gospels Bible Study – Sundays @ 9:15am; access reading schedule here; for Zoom link contact Pastor Jessica
  • Sunday Morning Worship – Sundays @ 10:30am; Join Zoom Webinar here
  • Morning Café and Discussion – Tuesdays @ 10:15am; Join Zoom Meeting here
  • Scripture Reader sign up – Click here
  • Usher sign up – Click here (needed 11/01, 11/08, & 11/15)
  • Flowers sign up – Click here
  • Coffee Hour Host sign up – Click here (needed 11/22)
  • Communion Server sign up –Click here (needed 11/01)
  • Milk for Pathways Volunteers sign up – Click here (needed 11/02, 11/09, & 11/16)
  • Donate to First United Online – Click here
  • First United YouTube Channel (sermons & more) – Click here
  • First United Vimeo Channel (full worship services) – Click here
  • 2027 Online Pledge Card – Click here
  • 2027 Stewardship Letter – Click here

DON’T FORGET

Daylight Saving Time Ends – Fall Back

A reminder that Daylight Saving Time ends this Sunday, November 1st at 2am, so remember to set your clocks back one hour before you head to bed on Saturday night and get an extra hour of snoozing time, or you may end up at the church an hour earlier than intended!

Celebrating Nancy Martin’s 100th Birthday

Long-time member Nancy Martin turned 100 years young on October 25th. We will have the joy and opportunity to celebrate Nancy this Sunday, November 1st, as she sits in the “share chair” during worship and with a special coffee hour. Feel free to bring items to accompany a cake.

All Saints’ Sunday

Join us for All Saints’ Sunday on November 1st as in reverence and remembrance we light candles and toll a bell in honor of the life of congregants who have died in the past year. As part of our observance, we invite you to bring candles to light in remembrance of deceased loved ones and display them on a table on the courtyard side of the sanctuary. These can be for family members and friends or other influential individuals; there will also be an opportunity to share the names of these beloved. Those who choose to bring candles should take them with them at the end of the service.

First Sunday Donation Drive

The Board of Community & Outreach invites you to offer needed donations on the first Sunday of each month on a table in the Narthex. On Sunday, November 1st, we encourage you to bring donations of non-perishable food items for our community members in need. As always, all of the collected food and cleaning/hygiene items will go to Pathways, and pet food will go to Area 10 Agency on Aging. Updated items needed for Pathways include cleaning/hygiene products: hand soap, dish soap, laundry detergent (sheets or liquid), kids 3-in-1 shampoo & bodywash women’s deodorant, conditioner, bleach, adult/baby lotion. Their food wish list includes: broth (chicken or beef); alfredo sauce; Beans (chili, and any dry beans) mayo, mustard, ketchup; instant coffee & tea; easy on-the-go snacks, pudding, chips, snack bars, etc.; easy mac; sloppy joe; taco kit; grape/strawberry jelly, syrup, oil, & apple sauce; instant rice, pancake mix, breakfast oatmeal, cereal; sugar; Meat (tuna, chicken, etc..); tomato paste; honey; dressings or sauces, any condiment seasoning. Gluten-free and non-dairy options are much appreciated.

Upcoming Board Meetings

The Board of Community & Outreach (Julia Bebeau, Chair) will meet via Zoom on Monday, November 2nd, at 6:30pm. The Board of Worship, Arts, and Music (Vickey Allen, Chair) will meet via Zoom on Monday, November 9th, at 5:30pm. The Board of Building & Grounds (Emily Mathes, Chair) will meet on Tuesday, November 10th, at 6:30pm via Zoom. The Board of Faith Formation (Sabine Lammers, Chair) will meet on Wednesday, November 11th, at 7:30pm via Zoom. All meetings of Boards and Council are open to the wider congregation. Please be in touch with appropriate chairs if you are interested in attending.

Tuesday Morning Café and Discussion – NEW STUDY BEGINNING

Join us in Roger Williams Hall or via Zoom (click here) Tuesdays at 10:15-11:30am as we gather for a time of informal conversation followed by thought-provoking theological study and discussion. We will begin a new study this Tuesday, November 3rd, as we explore “Cultural Literacy for Religion: Everything the Well-Educated Person Should Know” presented by Dr. Mark Berkson. “These 24 enlightening lectures offer you the chance to experience the breadth and depth of the world’s religions from all angles – historical, theological, and cultural.” From India to East Asia to the Middle East to the United States, our journey with Dr. Berkson will introduce us to the beliefs and practices of other traditions and provide us with new insights into our own. Learn more here. Previous participation and perfect attendance are not required.

Pizza & Play

Pizza & Play takes place on the first Friday of each month. Members and friends of First United of all ages and family configurations (and your friends and family) are encouraged to gather for this time of informal, unprogrammed fun and fellowship on Friday, November 6th, 5:30pm-7:30pm. As the name implies, pizza, drinks, and dessert will be provided. If you’re planning to attend, please let Maria Biggs at mbiggs1954@yahoo.com know by Wednesday, November 4th.

Eric Meincke Doctoral Lecture Recital

Former Director of Music Eric Meincke will be giving his Doctoral Lecture Recital in completion of his Doctor of Music degree at the Jacobs School of Music. Recital Hall at the Jacobs School of Music on Friday, November 6th, at 7:00pm and is free and open to the public! We hope you will be able to join us for this special event!

NEW/UPDATED THIS WEEK

Happy Birthday!

Please remember in your prayers and give thanks for those who will be celebrating their birthdays in the week ahead: Jessica Petersen-Mutai (November 4), Malissa Sparks (November 6), Ryan Block (November 7), and Blake Martindale (November 7). We are blessed to have you in our lives!

Called to Co-Create: Stewardship 2027

God invites us to be part of creating a world where our neighbors, our communities, and all creation can flourish. This November, as we engage in our annual stewardship response campaign, we also begin a year-long journey exploring what it means to live faithfully with all that God has entrusted to us—our resources, gifts, relationships, and opportunities. As we enter our annual stewardship season, you are invited to reflect on three questions:

  • How will I support our shared ministry?
  • How will I use my gifts more faithfully?
  • What can I help create for the good of others?

Discover more about our journey and read the full letter: click here. God trusts us with much. What will we create together?

Staff Favorites

Have you ever wanted to offer a token of your appreciation to a member of First United staff and faced the question: “But, what would Sion, Ryan, Lisa, or Jessica really appreciate?” Well, wonder no more! Click here to learn some of our staff members likes/preferences/favorites to assist you in showing your gratitude. Note: Gifts for staff are never an obligation or expectation. This list is being provided solely as a reference for those who freely choose to share such a gift.

Fall Meeting of the Southeast Association

You are warmly invited to gather with folks from across to Southeast Association (UCC) for the Fall Meeting: Moving Forward, Together on Sunday, November 15th, 2026, 3-5pm at Faith UCC (4040 E Thompson Rd, Indianapolis). Pastor Scott Simmons will share the story of how Faith UCC began getting unstuck and experiencing growth. We’ll explore a couple of principles from Tony Morgan’s The Unstuck Church, with dedicated time to work alongside your own congregation’s leaders and begin identifying steps toward the mission Jesus calls you to pursue. Pastor Jessica will be attending and would be grateful to engage in this effort with other members and friends of First United to learn together, support one another, and find renewed energy for the wonderful work of being Christ’s church in the world. Contact Pastor Jessica with any questions and if you are interested in carpooling.

UPCOMING WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Join us for worship each Sunday morning at 10:30am. This first Sunday of the month, we will gather at God’s welcome table and celebrate Communion Sunday together. Note: Communion elements (bread and wine/juice) will be served in the pews for those gathering in the sanctuary; online worshipers are encouraged to prepare a “nibble” and a “sip” prior to the start of the service. Sara Cole and Craig Dalrymple will serve those who gather in person.

This Sunday’s service will feature Rev. Jessica Petersen-Mutai in the pulpit as we continue our exploration of the Gospel of Luke. Kim Yaussy Albright will highlight some of the many ways we are invited to engage in the life of the church and our wider community. Lisa Kwong will present the day’s scripture and serve as our congregational lead. Ryan Block and Sion Park will lead us in song, and the First United Vocal Choir will offer special music. Dave Meyer will offer a warm welcome to those who gather in the sanctuary; sign up here to help. And, Kyle Hetrick and Martin Mutai will welcome all who join via Zoom as they ensure the audio/visual pieces run as smoothly as possible. Finally, be sure to join us after the service for a special coffee hour hosted by MeRC celebrating Nancy Martin’s 100th birthday.

Join the Zoom Webinar by clicking here

Dial-in number: (312) 626-6799; Webinar ID: 828 3681 0281

The service will be posted on Monday afternoon on First United’s Vimeo channel (where you can access all of our previous worship services).

Donate online by clicking here

Music Ministry

All those who love music are invited to join the Bell and Vocal Choirs! The Bell Choir rehearses weekly on Thursdays in Room 4 from 6:15-7:15pm, and the Vocal Choir rehearses weekly on Thursdays from 7:30-9pm in the Choir Room. If you are interested in joining either the Bell Choir, Vocal Choir, or both of the choirs, please reach out to our Music Director, Ryan Block, at blockryfuc@gmail.com. No prior experience or ability to read music is required to join either group! If you love music and want a way to express that love through fellowship, the First United Church Music Ministry is the place for you!

COMMUNITY CARE

Keeping Up with Our Congregation

One of the gifts of being part of a community of faith is that we don’t face the ups and downs and middles of life alone. We invite you to share what is going on in your lives by contacting Lisa Stanger and/or Pastor Jessica so we can appropriately share information (with your permission) with our wider community of care that we might offer our support whatever you may be facing.

You are encouraged to offer your prayers and actions of support for:

        Daniel Salvat

Sam Troxal

        Barb Clark

        Phyllis Perkins

        Jean Peters

        Elizabeth Hanson

        Lisa Young and family (friends of Sara Ivey Lucas)

Time to Order Holiday Poinsettias 

Brighten the church sanctuary with Holiday Poinsettias and support the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra by ordering poinsettias through the BSO’s Annual Poinsettia Sale. To order poinsettias to decorate the chancel during Advent and take home afterward, bring your check (made out to “BSO Poinsettia 2026”) to the church office or place it in the offering plate no later than Monday, November 12th; write “poinsettias” in the memo line. Each plant costs $10.00, beautifies the church, and supports the BSO. Your poinsettias may be picked up outside Fellowship Hall on Monday, December 21st, if you would like to take them home. Please let Lisa in the church office know if you would like to order one.

Annual Harvest Ingathering is drawing near!

While the Board of Community and Outreach regularly invites you to offer food donations for Pathways on the first Sunday of each month, in November, we encourage you to bring a donation every Sunday leading up to our Annual Harvest Ingathering on Sunday, November 22nd. Please bring non-perishable food, cleaning, and personal hygiene items anytime and every time you come to the church throughout the week. This helps meet a critical need for the families of Pathways. Donations of pet food will go to Area 10 Agency on Aging. Click here to for a list of Pathways ongoing needs. Thank you for your generosity!

Special Offering Thank You

Because of your generosity offered through the special offerings we received during worship on Sunday, October 18th, we raised $255 to support the Bloomington Refugee Support Network (RSN)! Thank you for supporting this impactful work in our wider community. Did have a chance to give? You can still drop your marked donation in the offering plate or by the church office. Or give online here.

Milk for Pathways

The Board of Community & Outreach encourages you to participate in our Milk Money initiative to support families at Pathways through their Nourish Together program. Our church has pledged to provide all of the milk Pathways families each week through at least February 2027. Thanks to your generosity, since March 2026, we have collected over $1000 to purchase the milk! Church volunteers are needed to purchase and deliver the milk to ensure safe handling and consistent supply; sign up here or on the sign-up sheet in the Narthex. If you have any questions or problems signing up, please contact Kristin Martindale (kmdale@iu.edu) or the church office.

Task of the Month for Earth Care

All within our congregation are encouraged to participate in Earth Care Indiana’s task of the month, a tangible and manageable way you can get involved in caring for creation. Rebecca Keith will make periodic announcements and encourage participation at coffee hour. Check out this Task of the Month website to learn about the tasks that are scheduled. Even small things can make a difference!

The Joy of Hosting

Our Member Relations Committee continues to offer support to weekly coffee hour hosts and encourages everyone to sign up to host—it’s easy, fun, and a great way to serve your church family with a one-time commitment. Sign up as buddies or families, invite someone you’ve been wanting to get to know, use the occasion to showcase a family recipe or try out a new one. Sign up to host by clicking here.

People’s Market

First United houses the People’s Cooperative Market (PCM) in Fellowship Hall on Saturdays, 10am-2pm, offering fresh, locally grown produce through CSAs to be picked up or delivered. The full market will be offered on October 31st (Halloween Party) and November 7th, 14th, and 21st (Holiday Event); join them any of these Saturdays. The PCM also operates the high tunnel greenhouse to the south of the church playground, which includes a community garden and produces food that is given out at no cost to members of our wider community seeking local, nutritious fresh food. Reach out via email (peoplesmarketmanager@gmail.com) to learn more or to volunteer with the market.

EDUCATIONAL OFFERINGS

Read the Synoptics in a Year: Gospel of Luke

As we seek to live out our mission more fully, you are invited to explore the words and deeds of Jesus through studying the synoptic gospels (Mark, Matthew, and Luke) over the course of the year. We are already two-thirds of the way through our journey! Join us as we continue our exploration of the Gospel of Luke through daily readings (access suggested reading schedule here), a weekly Sunday morning discussion group (9:15-10am in Roger Williams Hall, contact Pastor Jessica for Zoom link), and weekly sermons during worship.

Feminist Women’s Book Club

Our feminist women’s book club will meet on Sunday, November 11th, at 12pm, in Roger Williams Hall and via Zoom to discuss “The Unmaking of June Farrow” by Adrienne Young—a Good Housekeeping best book of 2024. Feminist women of all ages are invited to join us. Check out our book club’s Pinterest listing here. For Zoom information or more information about the book club contact facilitator Cindy Stone, stonec@iu.edu.

Children’s Learning Time

Each Sunday morning, children in kindergarten and up begin in the Sanctuary with their families and proceed to Room 2 with their adult leads for Children’s Learning Time (CLT) following Children’s Time. Many thanks to Jessica McIntosh and Brishna Arman for leading CLT this Sunday. Contact Jessica McIntosh if you are interested in volunteering.

Nursery Care

Our youngest children are welcome to spend time from 10-11:45am playing in the nursery or on the playground, weather permitting. Brishna Arman and Jessica McIntosh will ensure our little ones are safe and engaged in fun activities during worship this Sunday. We are always looking for additional volunteer assistants to help in the nursery occasionally. Contact Jessica McIntosh if you are interested and with any questions.

CONGREGATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS

Fall Workday

Join the Board of Building and Grounds on Saturday, November 7th, 8-11am, for a workday to help us keep the grounds looking nice for fall. We will be raking leaves, trimming bushes, cleaning out the gutters, and replacing mulch in the playground. We have some rakes and tools on hand but can always use more. Hope to see you then; it will be a good time!

Scam Emails

First United has once again been the target of scammers sending emails to church members pretending to be Kim Yaussy Albright (President) or Pastor Jessica asking for gift cards, help with making financial transactions, etc. These are scams. If you ever receive an email from someone affiliated with First United that seems off (i.e. asks you to purchase and send gift cards or to only respond via email and not to call or text directly), please report it (if possible) and delete it; it is a scam. Always check the email address from which the email was sent as this can help you to determine whether it is a scam. And, you are always welcome to call, text, or send an email (start a new email and send to verified email addresses) to ask about and report any suspicious emails.

2026 Offering Envelopes and Direct Deposit

We are using leftover offering envelope boxes for 2026. For 2026, your number box is not the same as the previous year; please contact Lisa Stanger if you would like envelopes! Alternatively, if you would like to give to the church through direct deposit, please contact Lisa in the office to make sure she knows you would like to give in this convenient way and has your updated information.

Announcements Deadline

If you have information to include in our weekly announcements email, please send your item to Lisa Stanger by noon on the Monday before.

Staff Information/After Hours Contact

Church Officers

Board Chairs

Pastoral Relations Committee Noel Koontz, Kristin Martindale, Mary Peckham, & Ted Wininge

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